The Town emerged victorious last Saturday against old rivals Ballyvea to keep on course their hopes of a third league title in a row. In the end Castlewellan deserved their victory but were glad to hear the final whistle as Ballyvea put them under serious pressure in the last 10 minutes.After last weeks disappointment the home side came out in determined mood and played some of their best football in weeks. The home side held the upper hand but after 22 minutes Ballyvea went ahead when McConnell finished well after being put in the clear. Parity was restored after 36 minutes when Nial Toner bundled the ball home following a scramble. Castlewellan finished the half well on top and in a crazy minute just before half time they saw three efforts cleared off the Ballyvea line.
The second period continued in similar vein with the Town holding all the aces. Toner saw his shot deflected against a post and Ballyvea’s keeper got down low to save a Keown volley. A goal seemed inevitable and it arrived in the 72nd minute. Paddy Keown had another effort parried by the keeper, Liam McKibben was onto the rebound first but was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty. Big Paddy made light work of the award and sent the Town 2-1 up. Ballyvea to their credit dug deep and put the home team under pressure in the last 10 minutes. Watson saved twice when an equaliser seemed certain and they had a strong shout for a penalty themselves. Thanks to an imperious display by the Town’s defence though they held out for an important 3 points.
Toner, Corrigan and Steele had great games for Castlewellan but Donal McKibben shaded the man of the match award.
